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Sample identification utilizing rfid tagsRelated Patent Categories: Registers, Coded Record Sensors, Particular Sensor StructureSample identification utilizing rfid tags description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060283945, Sample identification utilizing rfid tags. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 11/088,539, filed Mar. 24, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to sample identification techniques, such as may be desired in conjunction with the handling of one or more individual samples as part of analytical processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of radio-frequency (RF) energy to uniquely identify individual samples and/or containers in which the samples reside. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In many processes for analyzing samples, particularly in batch and serial processes where several samples are involved, it is desirable to improve throughput by providing a greater degree of automated control over various stages of the sample handling, preparation, and analysis processes and by providing better management of sample-related data. In one aspect, instrumentation for the handling, preparation and analysis of samples has become more automated. For instance, automated sample handling systems have been developed that include one or more trays holding arrays of vials, test tubes, or multi-well plates containing small quantities of liquid samples. These systems typically include a sampling needle that can be programmed to move to each vial in order to dispense samples into the vials or aspirate samples from the vials. Alternatively, the vials or trays holding the vials may be moved to a sampling needle or other component of the sample handling system. In another aspect, steps have been taken to improve the identification of individual samples. Improvements in sample identification have primarily been made through the utilization of barcode scanning systems. Barcode scanning systems employ an optical barcode scanner that reads a barcode printed on a label. The barcode consists of a combination of dark parallel bars and light spaces between the bars. The barcode scanner reads the barcode by directing a beam of light at the barcode. Because the dark bars of the barcode absorb light and the light spaces reflect light, a detector in the barcode scanner can receive the reflected light signals and convert them into electrical signals, which thereafter can be recognized by electronic means as characters. Barcode labels have been applied to vials and, in the case of multi-well plates, a single barcode label has been applied to a plate. [0004] While barcode systems and other optical techniques may be useful in such applications as the tracking of consumer goods, these types of systems present problems when applied to procedures for handling small liquid-phase samples in conjunction with analytical techniques. The information represented by a barcode is quite limited and fixed. The barcode typically constitutes a short series of characters such as those corresponding to the well-known Uniform Product Code (UPC). Due to the brevity of these character sets, the barcode is capable of identifying only the type of sample or the tray or group of samples of which the sample is a part. When a large number of individual samples are to be handled and analyzed, each of which may be different from the others in terms of composition or other parameters, there are not enough characters in a barcode to adequately distinguish one given sample as being unique from another sample. Even if a barcode were to be employed to uniquely identify a sample as being, for example, Sample #1, that same barcode cannot be used to provide any additional information about that particular sample. [0005] Moreover, because a barcode system depends on optics, it is orientation-sensitive; that is, there is only a finite range of angles between a barcode and a barcode scanner over which optical communication will be successful. When applied to sample handling and analysis systems, the barcode system often requires that several barcode scanners be located at various points along the system in order to adequately track the sample, or that a given barcode-containing vial be transported to a single barcode scanner. Additionally, again due to the use of optics, a barcode-containing vial must be precisely positioned in relation to a barcode scanner to ensure that no other object will interfere with the light path, including neighboring vials. Another related problem stems from the fact that an optical path is easily modified by the presence of substances commonly encountered in sample handling. The smearing of the printed barcode through contact with a researcher or an object, the marring or degradation of the barcode by solvents or other substances, or simply the obstructive presence of fluids or particles on the barcode, all may destroy the ability of the barcode to be accurately read by a barcode scanner. [0006] In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a means for uniquely identifying vials and other types of sample containers without the problems attending barcode technology and other known techniques employed in conjunction with sample preparation, handling, and/or analysis. The ability to read an identification code as the vial is accessed for sampling or mixing operations, without moving the vial to another position, would also present significant advantages, in terms of time and chain of custody-type concerns. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] To address the foregoing problems, in whole or in part, and/or other problems that may have been observed by persons skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides apparatus, devices, and methods for uniquely identifying individual analytical samples, as described by way of example in implementations set forth below. [0008] According to one implementation, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is provided. The reader comprises a body including a proximal end region, an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the body at the proximal end region, and an RF shield mounted to the body and extending out from the body beyond the proximal end region to an open end of the RF shield. The RF shield defines an interior space between the body and the open end, wherein the antenna is surrounded by the RF shield. [0009] According to another implementation, at least a portion of the RF shield is movable relative to the body. [0010] According to another implementation, a sample holder is provided. The sample holder comprises an RF shield. The RF shield includes a plurality of walls defining a plurality of interior spaces. A sample container is positioned in at least one of the interior spaces. The sample container includes an RFID tag surrounded by one or more of the walls. [0011] According to another implementation, an RFID apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an RFID reader including an RF transceiver antenna, a sample container including an RFID tag, and an RF shield defining an interior space between the reader and the container. The antenna and the RFID tag are surrounded by the RF shield. In one example of an embodiment of the RFID apparatus, the RF shield is mounted to the reader. In another example, the sample container is positioned in the interior space. [0012] According to another implementation, a method for identifying an object is provided. According to the method, a reader that includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver antenna is moved into proximity with a sample container whereby the antenna can communicate with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of the sample container. The antenna and the RFID tag are surrounded with an RF shield such that the antenna and RFID tag are isolated from an environment external to the RF shield. [0013] According to another implementation of the method, the antenna is employed to read a code stored by the RFID tag whereby the sample container or a sample contained in the sample container can be identified. [0014] According to another implementation, the method further comprises, after reading the code, associating the code with information relating to the identified sample. [0015] According to another implementation of the method, the RF shield is attached to the reader and defines an interior space in which the antenna is located. The reader is moved toward the sample container such that the RFID tag becomes located within the interior space. [0016] According to another implementation of the method, the RFID tag is located in an interior space defined by the RF shield. The reader is moved toward the sample container such that the antenna becomes located within the interior space. [0017] According to another implementation, a sample container includes a container structure extending along a central axis. The container structure encloses an interior and includes an open end. A first cap is mounted to the container structure at the open end and has a first aperture located at the central axis. A second cap is mounted to the first cap and has a second aperture aligned with the first aperture along the central axis. An RFID tag is mounted at the second cap in off-center relation to the central axis. In some implementations, the sample container may further include a closure member mounted at the open end, whereby the interior is isolated from an environment external to the container structure and the first and second apertures provide access to the closure member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a cross-section of a sample container and sample probe device provided in accordance with an example of one implementation. [0019] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an RFID tag provided according to an example of one implementation. Continue reading about Sample identification utilizing rfid tags... Full patent description for Sample identification utilizing rfid tags Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sample identification utilizing rfid tags patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. 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